Meconopsis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Papaveraceae or Poppy family. These plants are often known for their beautiful blue petals, but they also come in a variety of purple, white and yellow. Commonly referred to as Himalayan Poppy as they are found natively in the Himalayan Mountains. Given their natural habitat, these plants are fairly hardy, but remain difficult to because being monocarpic they only flower and set seed only once.
Meconopsis Taxonomy
The name comes from the Greek for ‘poppy like’, and so other Poppy type flowers were Meconopsis genus. Most Poppies are listed in their own Papaver genus, Papaver being Latin for Poppy, but the Meconopsis genus is kept separate for these Himalayan flowers. All poppies belong to the Order Ranunculales, or Buttercups.
Calceolaria are a genus flowering plant from the family, Calceolariaceae. Commonly called the Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse and Slipperwort, due to unusual flowers that resemble slippers or purses and calceolaria being from the Latin for shoe. Currently, there are only 3 genera in its family, although others may soon follow as modern dna analysis is re-classifying plants into their families. There are over 388 species of Calceolaria and that covers a wide range of different plants
Natively, these plants are found mainly in the Andes Mountains but also anywhere from Southern Patagonia to Central Mexico. Many modern hybrids can be found to brighten up garden pots and hanging baskets.
Armeria maritima is a hardy perennial plant that grows in clumps and flowers from spring to summer with shades of pink that are best seen en masse.
Plant Family – Part of the Plumbaginaceae family or leadwort family.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to the coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Common Names – It is often called Sea Thrift or Sea Pink. The word thrift evidently comes from an Old Norse word meaning to thrive. Very apt for this plant as it makes the very best of rather poor ground to produce a display that will lift the spirits.
Flowers – The flower heads are formed in a round cluster on top of a thin but sturdy stem. The small flowers are various shades of pink. They remain upright on the thin stems to maintain a fine display.
Foliage – The dark green, glossy needle-like leaves form a clump or carpet from which the flower stalks grow to form a canopy.
Height and Spread – These are a low growing, ground cover plant that grow to a height of up to 18 inches, mostly shorter than that. They tend to spread over time into a cluster and form a carpet that accentuates their beauty.
Position – These plants thrive in full sun location with a well drained soil, from acidic to alkaline. This makes them ideal for a rock garden, coastal gardens, but can also fit into any well-drained border or even a living roof.
Overall, a plant that will cope with poor conditions to produce a flowering display and survive year on year with little maintenance.
Agapanthus plants are tall with a globe of flowers on a single stem, not unlike their cousins, Alliums, and Amaryllis. Predominantly blues, purple and white with bigger more dramatic flowers than Alliums. Native to Southern Africa, and commonly called African Lilies although they are not Lilies at all. They love the sun, well-drained soil but can also stand some drought. Ideal for keeping in pots as you can control spread and concentrate the flowering.
Gazania or African Daisies are bold, bright flowers with hot colours that are suited to sunny, dry climates. Although being in the same family, they are a different genus to Osteospermum plants that are also commonly referred to as African Daisies. These plants are drought tolerant and like to have full sun to be at their best. Being in the shade will make the flowers close and may then grow thin taller stems unable to support the large flower head.
Achillea or Yarrow is a species of the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. It has many small flowers in a cluster at the top of a thin stalk arising from the base plant and extending high towards the sunlight. It is a native, common wild flower but has many species and cultivars to expand on the basic wild variety.
The name Achillea is from Greek mythology as the leaves were used to treat the wounds of Achilles’ Soldiers. It has many other common names that relate to its medicinal use to heal wounds and stop blood flow.
Achillea or Yarrow, when not in the wild, is a tall flowering plant used in borders of cottage or wildlife gardens. Due to its height and slender form it can compete for space and thrive alongside its neighbours. It best sits mid border and provides clusters of small colourful flowers, tightly packed and resilient. Without neighbouring plants to help it may need support to keep it up and looking its best.
In the natural form the flowers are usually white and clusters as a tightly packed head at the top of the rising stem. There is now a wide variety of colours, from deep reds and pinks through orange, yellow and white. Easy to grow perennial that will keep spreading over time.
The leaves are fern like or feathered, frilly or hairy, and mainly come from the base but also interspaced up the main shoot that holds the flower head at the top. These leaves are often aromatic and edible in small quantities.
Achillea or Yarrows are very tolerant border perennials that can do well in most situations but don’t like heavy, wet soil. They are native to more temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere.
There are more than 1000 named species, sub-species, or varieties assigned to the genus of Achillea. Two popular species are the Achillea millefolium, common yarrow, and the Achillea ptarmica, sneezewort. Generally, the millefolium has smaller and more tightly packed flower heads, whilst the ptarmica has larger more openly spread flower heads.
Achillea is a good plant to consider for not only its form and long flowering colourful displays, it is very attractive to insects that promote a wider pollination to improve biodiversity, but also has medicinal healing properties that have long been used to treat many different ailments.
Aquilegia, commonly referred to as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a quintessential element of any cottage garden, woodland garden, or border display. Its medium height and striking appearance allow it to harmonise beautifully with neighbouring plants. With a stunning variety of colours and unique forms, it captures the eye and offers endless pleasure to those who take the time to observe its intricate beauty. This plant not only enhances garden aesthetics but also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting a diverse range of pollinators.
Granny’s Bonnet: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden
Known for its unique flower heads, this plant gets its common names, Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet, from the distinctive shape reminiscent of a dove’s head or a traditional bonnet. The name Columbine comes from the Latin word columba, meaning ‘dove,’ while Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning ‘eagle,’ reflecting the spurred petals that resemble talons. These striking flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an interesting diversion from the big bold blooms.
This fascinating genus within the family Ranunculaceae includes Buttercups. It is easy to see the similarities, but the intricate forms of this flower provide a much more interesting specimen. There are about 130 different species that explore different colours and nuances of petal shape, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. From the delicate blue and white varieties to vibrant reds and yellows, the options are nearly endless.
Modern hybrids are particularly captivating, often featuring two layers of petals in contrasting colours, creating a visually stunning effect. The spurred petals that extend behind the flower head add to the unique aesthetic of the plant, making it a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The colour palette is extensive, including shades of purple, red, pink, white, yellow, and blue. This diversity allows for creative combinations in garden designs where they will complement similar plants.
Native to various regions, especially the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, Granny’s Bonnet thrives in diverse climates and conditions. Its ability to self-seed makes it an excellent choice for wild gardens, as it promotes natural growth and attracts pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In favourable climates, the presence of this plant can significantly enhance the biodiversity of a garden, benefiting both the plants and the wildlife that depend on them.
The height of these plants can vary, ranging from 1 to 3 feet depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Their slim profile allows them to occupy minimal ground space, making them ideal for borders or mixed plantings. While they prefer a little shade from intense sunlight, they can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. A temperate climate with adequate moisture is essential for optimal growth, as they thrive in well-drained soil that is neither too wet nor too dry.
Another important aspect to consider is the companion planting of this species. It pairs well with a variety of other flowers and greenery, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden. For example, planting alongside Foxgloves and Delphiniums can create a beautiful layered effect, with each plant contributing its unique shapes and colours. Moreover, these companion plants often have similar care requirements, making garden maintenance more manageable.
In conclusion, this remarkable plant offers not only beauty but also ecological benefits. By understanding its unique characteristics and care requirements, gardeners can create stunning displays that contribute to the health of their local environments. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating this species into your garden can lead to a more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable landscape.
